‘Ungodly’ or lifesaving? Sierra Leone divided over abortion bill
Sierra Leone is moving toward decriminalising abortion, a step that could make it the second West African country to legalise the procedure.
Advocates say the reform could significantly reduce maternal deaths linked to unsafe abortions, which account for an estimated 10% of pregnancy-related fatalities in the country.
President Julius Maada Bio has introduced the Safe Motherhood Bill, which would legalise abortion up to 14 weeks into pregnancy. The move aligns with global shifts in reproductive rights, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to roll back abortion protections.
Currently, an estimated 90,000 abortions occur annually in Sierra Leone, contributing to a high maternal mortality rate of 717 deaths per 100,000 births.
Healthcare professionals argue that restrictive laws force women to seek unsafe procedures, leading to severe medical complications.
Nurse Hawanatu Samura described cases where women suffered life-threatening infections and injuries due to illegal abortion attempts. Medical workers stress that legalizing abortion would ensure safer options for those in need.
However, the bill faces opposition from religious leaders and conservative groups. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles has condemned the legislation as "ungodly" and accused supporters of exaggerating abortion statistics to push an agenda. Opponents also claim foreign influence is driving the reform, though the U.S. embassy in Sierra Leone has denied any involvement.
Women’s rights groups continue to push for the bill’s passage, arguing that it is a necessary step toward improving healthcare and gender equality. Last year’s ban on child marriage demonstrated progress in advancing women’s rights, but the fate of the Safe Motherhood Bill remains uncertain as debates intensify in parliament.
